Obituary of Elsie Anna Christie

Elsie Christie , a long time resident of Chetwynd, B.C. passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 in Chetwynd at the age of 91 years. Elsie Anna Christie was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to parents Harry and Sadie Wadley. She was the middle sister to Dorothy and Lillian. In her youth she was a fiery tomboy who lived up to her red hair. Her favorite things were riding her horse Topsy and tending to the cows on the family farm. It was on the farm where she had learned hard work and acquired her amazing work ethic. She had no problem holding her own against the boys, whom she would frequently get into fights with, thus earning her nickname, Billy from her father. At a young age, Elsie and her two sisters liked to sing and play many instruments which lead them to be known as the group 'Melody Maids', where they sang on the weekly radio program of Bill Schulz. There they made records and had the opportunity to meet and play with Hank Snow and Wilf Carter. When the Second World War broke out she and her future sister-in-law Audrey worked at the hanger in Moose Jaw, SK. Through Audrey, Elsie met her best friend and the love of her life, John Raymond Christie. They were married in Saskatoon, SK on August 15, 1944. Ray was stationed at the Armed Forces Base in Chilliwack; they resided there and were blessed with their first son Wayne. After the war they moved back to Moose Jaw where they had two more children, Theresa (Terry) and Ken. She was a kind hearted mother who would do anything for her children. She was strict when needed; knowing her children it was quite a bit. Having instilled a strong work ethic when she was a child she worked just as hard if not harder than Ray to provide for her family. She owned and operated Golden Mile Florist and Candle Wick Corner. They then moved to Lillooet and then Chetwynd where she resided for 40 years. Her and Ray owned Grizzly Valley Kennels, Pacific Western Dog Food Store, E. A. Christie Trucking and she was also the community dog catcher for Hudson Hope and Chetwynd. Grandma loved and was proud of every single one of her family members, it didn't matter what trouble they got into. Grandma always loved the Sunday family gatherings at her house on Hillview Road. She also looked forward to her holiday travels in her motor home, whether it was a simple camping trip or a long journey. She loved dancing, playing horseshoes, darts, playing cards, puzzles, and crosswords. She also loved flowers and gardening, knitting and crocheting, and most of all spending time with her family. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the Chetwynd Fellowship Baptist Church. Pastor Bill Evans officiated. Interment followed at the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery. Elsie is predeceased by her husband John Raymond, her parents Harry and Sadie, her two sisters Dorothy and Lillian, son-in-law Sidney Albert Guy, and her two grandsons Damian and Kevin Christie. Elsie is survived by her sons Thomas Wayne Christie (Karen), Kenneth Raymond Christie (Karen), Theresa Lynne Guy, eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Elsie's family would like to thank everyone for their condolences, Pastor Bill, and the church ladies for the luncheon. Also to Reynars Funeral Chapel, the doctors, nurses and hospital staff at Chetwynd Hospital and to Joshua and staff at Lakeview Inn & Suites. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Elsie to the South Peace BC SPCA Branch 637 - 114th Ave, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G-3A1 Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium